Industry News
Opposition to IMO Design Index
Feb 8, 2010
From Lloyd's List
The IMO environment committee, MEPC, has its work cut out as it faces detailed debate on the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and baseline formula. Differing approaches to the design index for newbuildings could hamper the efforts of the IMO to have it become mandatory soon. IMO members have been developing the energy efficiency design index as one of the key tools to prove that the organisation has the direction and capabilities to tackle greenhouse gas emissions from shipping.
Developed over the last 18 months, the index has been created to allow a set of benchmark levels for different ship types to be created and to then mandate future newbuildings to strive to be below a specific benchmark. However, the fundamental issues on the structure of the equation of the index, the formula for the benchmark and the definition and use of different ship types, has yet to be resolved.
EU Ports Sulphur Rule Clarified
Feb 7, 2010
From Baird Maritime
The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) has released a statement to help dispel some confusion surrounding implementation of the EU directive requiring all ships to use low-sulphur fuel while at berth in EU ports. The EU Directive requires that, with effect from January 1, 2010, member states must take all necessary steps to ensure that ships at berth in EU ports do not use marine fuels with a sulphur content exceeding 0.1 percent by mass. Although reports have been circulating in the industry that, because of the potential safety risks associated with the switchover on ships with unmodified boilers, the deadline may have been put back, IBIA stressed that such is not the case.
Ceiling Works Correction
Feb 6, 2010
In the previous Interferry News item regarding a postion opening at Ceiling Works, the job title was accidently deleted from the text. The title of the job position is Business Development Manager, USA and Canada.
Job Opportunity at Ceiling Works
Feb 5, 2010
Ceiling Works is a well respected, Australian based specialist supplier of Marine Ceiling Systems and other related Marine Interior products. From our Australian head office we service shipyards and contractors throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia, USA and Canada. Our approach to the market is direct and effective. We are extremely passionate, vibrant, dedicated and a results driven company.
Due to business expansion and customer demands, we are now seeking an experienced Marine Professional to join our team and further develop and manage our business in the USA and Canada. The candidate will preferably be currently employed in the Marine Industry with knowledge of Marine interior products, ideally with a Business or Marketing degree.
Reporting to the Managing Director in Australia, this USA based position is a fully autonomous role. Your main responsibility will be to grow market share by securing new business from existing accounts as well as building strong relationships with new clients. To be considered for this exciting role you will have demonstrated the following attributes:
• Strong commercial acumen
New Ferry Designs for Scotland and Quebec
Feb 3, 2010
From Deltamarin
Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd and Société des traversiers du Québec have both ordered new passenger ferry designs from Deltamarin of Finland. Both companies name sustainable design and excellent energy efficiency as important criteria in the designs.
The order of the Scottish Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) comprises the concept design of two small RoPax ferries (95m and 35m). CMAL are intending to commence a fleet replacement program in the near future, and these ferries will be a part of it. Deltamarin will have two partners in the design project: Safety at Sea Ltd in simulations, manoeuvring and seakeeping, and SeaTec Ltd in port interface, risk management and environmental management.
The other contract was signed with the Canadian Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ) for for a new ferry for the Matane - Baie-Comeau - Godbout route. The work includes concept design for tendering purposes as well as supervision of the works during the construction, trials and commissioning of the ship. The work is to be performed by the consortium of the Canadian company Navtech Inc. and Deltamarin.
End of Scandlines’ Baltic Monopoly
Jan 28, 2010
From Lloyd's List
The German cartel office ordered ferry operator Scandlines to open a Baltic Sea route to the competition today. Following a complaint by two rival Norwegian lines, Scandlines could soon be forced to share its port facilities at Puttgarden and Rødby. The decision concludes an investigation into claims that Scandlines was abusing its position as the sole proprietor of the ports to maintain a monopoly over the route. Norwegian shipowners Bastø Fosen and Eidsiva jointly submitted a formal complaint four years ago.
Scandlines operates a ferry service in 15-minute intervals along the so-called Vogelfluglinie, the fastest connection between Germany and Denmark. Bastø Fosen and Eidsiva hope to run an hourly ferry service of their own along the route. Their plans include two newbuildings that run on natural gas, which would carry passengers and vehicles across the Fehmarn Belt.
Austal Cat to Assist Haitian Relief
Jan 20, 2010
From Austal
The US Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced that Austal-designed and built 113 metre high speed catamaran “Huakai” is being sent to Haiti to assist with relief efforts. Completed in 2009 for Hawaii Superferry, the vessel can transport people, vehicles and other cargo at speeds of up to 40 knots. The catamaran’s usefulness in the humanitarian effort is also greatly enhanced by its shallow draft and large loading ramp. The 20 metre stern quarter, bi-fold ramp enables the ship to be loaded and unloaded without relying on shore-side facilities such as port cranes, which are not in use following the earthquake.
While no details have been released regarding the intended use of “Huakai”, the ship may serve as a link between Haiti and Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba or Miami. This would enable frequent, high speed transportation of relief supplies into Haiti and facilitate transfer of personnel to and from the country. Depending on the length of the trip, the catamaran can carry nearly 800 tonnes per voyage. The vessel will be crewed by Hornblower Marine Services personnel.
Kenya Awaiting New Ferries
Jan 20, 2010
From Saturday Nation
The Kenyan government has admitted its surprise that the “disaster-in-waiting” ferries at the coast are still floating 20 years after their ‘use by’ date passed. The Minister of Transport said re-allocation of funds meant for the acquisition of new ferries to the importation of food occasioned the delay in the arrival of the ferries from Germany. The new ferries, which were initially scheduled to arrive at the coast last month, will now arrive some time in March this year, after starting their journey from Germany on February 27.